Press release from California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office:
California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert following the Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency for Humboldt County following a 6.4 magnitude earthquake near the Cities of Ferndale and Rio Dell.
The earthquake resulted in two fatalities, injured multiple people, caused power outages, and damaged roads, bridges, buildings, and critical infrastructure, including water lines and gas lines. In today’s alert, Attorney General Bonta reminds all Californians that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396.
Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report.
“My heart goes out to residents and local business owners in Ferndale, Rio Dell, and the surrounding community as they grapple with the damage caused by yesterday’s earthquake and the nearly one hundred aftershocks that followed,” said Attorney General Bonta.“It will be a while before we know the full extent of the damage, but as Humboldt County begins to recover, I want to remind residents and businesses that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal. If you see businesses raising the price of food, gas, or other emergency supplies, report it to your local authorities or to my office at oag.ca.gov/report.”
California law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price of an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For any item a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller’s cost of the item by more than 50%.
This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, certain transportation services, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business.
Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local district attorneys can enforce the statute.
District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced that today a Humboldt County jury found Joshua Lee Harris (31) of Arcata guilty of assault with a firearm, including the special allegation that he personally used a firearm in the commission of the crime.
The case arose from an incident near Carlson Park in Arcata on June 3, 2022, when Harris got into an argument with another male. Harris then drew a .22-caliber revolver, shot twice at the victim (without hitting him), and fled the scene. Shortly thereafter, officers from the Arcata Police Department apprehended Harris and found the firearm used in the shooting concealed in Harris’ waist band.
Judge Christopher Wilson presided over the 2-week trial. Deputy District Attorneys Roger Rees and Trent Timm prosecuted the case with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Martin Morris. Deputy Conflict Counsel Owen Tipps represented Harris.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 19, 2023, when Harris could receive up to 14 years in prison.
Press release from the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office:
Ross booking photo
Yesterday, a Humboldt County jury found 29-year-old Aubrey Ross guilty of second-degree robbery of Cher-Ae Heights Casino on November 17, 2016.
Surveillance video showed a masked, hooded person jumping a counter in the casino while wielding what appeared to be a handgun. The person held a casino employee at gun point and forced him to fill a backpack with tens of thousands of dollars from the casino vault before fleeing.
Mr. Ross, a former casino employee who had walked off the job the night before, was identified as a suspect when he returned to the scene about an hour after the robbery. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department investigators found Mr. Ross’ DNA on a mask discarded on the side of the road near the casino. The backpack used in the robbery and $27,000 in cash was found in Mr. Ross’ room.
After Mr. Ross posted $200,000 bail, the case was delayed multiple times primarily due to changes in defense attorneys. Covid-related restrictions further delayed the case. Mr. Ross was remanded into custody following yesterday’s verdict.
Judge Hinrichs is scheduled to sentence Mr. Ross on February 9, 2023. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Deputy District Attorney Luke Bernthal prosecuted the case with the assistance of Senior District Attorney Investigator Steve Dunn. Private attorney Andrea Sullivan represented Mr. Ross.
The days of Christmas crab seem to be pretty much behind us, and the issue of whale entanglements with crab pots are yet a new wrinkle in our relationship with the Dungeness crop, joining low body meat and price standoffs between fishermen and buyers as yet another thing that stands between us and our most prized seasonal delicacy.
All that said, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has declared that the season is just about ready to proceed, and with any luck you’ll be able to put some crab on your table for New Year’s Eve. Fishermen setting their pots south of Point Arena will be at 50 percent capacity, due to the ongoing presence of humpback whales, but up here in the far north we’ve been given the all-clear.
Press release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:
The
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will open the
commercial Dungeness crab fishery statewide on Dec. 31, 2022. Fishing
Zones 3-6 (all areas south of the Sonoma/Mendocino county Line) will
open under a 50 percent trap reduction on Dec. 31, 2022 at 12:01
a.m., with a 64-hour gear setting period to begin on Dec. 28, 2022 at
8:01 a.m. This trap reduction will help reduce risk of entanglement
as humpback whales continue to migrate to winter breeding grounds.
Commercial Dungeness crab vessels operating in Fishing Zones 3-6 must
understand and comply with the restrictions by reviewing the
CDFW Declaration
(PDF).
Any commercial Dungeness Crab vessel fishing in or transiting Fishing
Zones 3-6, regardless of fishing location, is subject to the 50
percent reduction and must have at least half of their valid buoy
tags for the current fishing season onboard and available for
inspection by CDFW at all times until the trap reduction is lifted.
Fishing
Zones 1 and 2 (Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties) had been
delayed due to poor meat quality results but recent
tests (PDF) indicate
crab are ready for market. The fishery will open on Dec. 31, 2022 at
12:01 a.m., with a 64-hour gear setting period that will begin at
8:01 a.m. on Dec. 28, 2022.
“Our
department appreciates the ongoing partnership and input from the
Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group and the numerous
researchers and federal agency partners that inform the Risk
Assessment Mitigation Program,” said CDFW Director Charlton H.
Bonham. “Through this partnership, CDFW has conducted four risk
assessments this season and coordinated the collection of the best
available science to protect whales while providing fishing
opportunity for this iconic fishery.”
CDFW
is continuing the temporary recreational crab trap restriction in
Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5 and 6 due to presence of humpback whales and
the potential for entanglement from trap gear. The recreational crab
trap restriction for Fishing Zones 1 and 2 was lifted on Nov. 28,
2022. The recreational fishery has been open statewide since Nov. 5,
2022, allowing crabbers the opportunity to harvest Dungeness crab in
advance of the commercial fishery. CDFW reminds recreational crabbers
that take of Dungeness crab by other methods, including hoop nets and
crab snares, is still allowed during a temporary trap restriction.
Available
data indicate whales remain in Fishing Zone 3, particularly in waters
around Point Reyes and the Farallon Islands. As a result, Director
Bonham is also issuing a Fleet Advisory for Fishing Zones 3-6 and
reminds both the commercial and recreational fishers to avoid setting
gear in areas where whales are transiting or foraging and to follow
best practices, as described in the Best
Practices Guide (PDF).
CDFW
anticipates the next risk assessment will take place on or around
Jan. 18, 2022, at which time Director Bonham will re-evaluate the
commercial trap reduction and temporary recreational crab trap
restriction in Fishing Zones 3-6.
Rey David Dominick — beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend — passed away
surrounded by family at home on November 18, 2022.
Rey was born to Angelo and Rebecca Dominick in Los Angeles on October 5, 1961.
He graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 1979, where he also met his wife, Kimberly.
Rey and Kimberly married on July 15, 1980 and had two children, David and Jennifer. He
worked for Pacific Lumber Company nine years before attending College of the Redwoods. In
1995 he joined the IBEW Local 551 and worked as an industrial electrician for 27 years. The
last 10 years of his career he worked decommissioning the old nuclear power plant at the
Humboldt Bay Power Plant.
Through the years Rey enjoyed sports, spending time with family, watching movies, and
playing music. He played baseball throughout school and was a member of the recreation
team for Pacific Lumber Company as an adult. Rey was also a talented drummer who played in
a number of bands over the course of his adulthood, including one with his daughter Jennifer.
He performed regularly with different groups at music venues all over Humboldt County. He
also was proud of a long-term project building a country dream home with perfection which he
was able to nearly complete and leave behind for his family upon passing.
Rey was a well known and well loved friend in the community. He also had a large family and
was a loving husband and father, proud grandpa, caring son, brother, and uncle. He enjoyed
hosting fun family days with food and games.
Rey is survived by his wife, Kim; children David (Elizabeth) and Jennifer; two grandchildren
Valentino Dominick-Markham and Jessica Dominick; mother Rebecca Criswell; father-in-law
Barton Crews; siblings Reina Earhart (Michael), Monique Dominick (Dave), and Angelo
Dominick II (Tracy); and his many aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Rey is now free from the su ering he endured from cancer. His family wishes to extend a
sincere thank you to Dr. Howard Fellows and assistant, Nanette, as well as all the nurses at the
Chemotherapy Infusion Center at St. Joseph Hospital.
In his memory, donations can be made directly to the Wounded Warrior Project at
woundedwarriorproject.org.
Rey’s family and friends are invited to share happy memories and celebrate his life on Saturday,
February 4, 2023, at Fortuna Church of the Nazarene at 1 p.m.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Rey Dominick’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.
On December 21, 2022, at approximately 11:53 a.m., the California Highway Patrol Humboldt Area received a call of a possibly deceased male, located on the south shoulder of eastbound SR-299, west of SR-200. Officers responded to the scene and located an adult male with fatal injuries. Officers began a suspicious death investigation and requested the Humboldt County Coroner respond to the scene. An autopsy will be conducted to assist in determining the cause and time of death.
Preliminarily, it is believed that during the late night hours of the 20th, and the early morning hours of the 21st, the deceased party was walking on the south shoulder of eastbound SR-299 when he was struck by an unknown vehicle. Evidence collected at the scene is consistent with the suspect vehicle having been a semi truck which may have minor to moderate damage to the front right side of the cab, to include missing mirrors.
The identification of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Further details will be released when available and appropriate.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Humboldt Area Office of the CHP at 707-822-5981 or the CHP Humboldt Communication Center’s non-emergency line at 707-268-2000. You can also email Humboldt_Area@chp.ca.gov with any information.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
Recovery efforts continue following Tuesday’s M6.4 earthquake. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) remains activated and is coordinating with local, regional and state partners to provide resources to communities impacted by the earthquake.
CLEANUP ASSISTANCE
Community members impacted by the earthquake can obtain Red Cross Clean Up Kits consisting of a mop, broom, scrub brush, sponge, all purpose cleaner, gloves, mask and bucket, free of charge at the Rio Dell Fire Hall. Rio Dell citizens may utilize the two dumpsters located outside of Rio Dell City Hall, at 675 Wildwood Avenue, to dispose of earthquake debris. Please do not dispose hazardous waste in these receptacles. Hazardous items not fit for disposal in these receptacles include leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic as household hazardous waste. Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides can contain hazardous ingredients and require special care when you dispose of them. More information regarding hazardous waste disposal can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardous-waste-hhw
SUPPORT SERVICES
FOOD, WATER, FACILITIES
Supply distribution is being moved from the Rio Dell Fire Hall to the Middle School.
Monument Middle School: 95 Center St, Rio Dell, CA 95562
Bottled water (amount depending on how many occupants per household)
Portable showers
Charging stations (for cell phones or other electronic devices)
Portable toilets
Snacks
American Red Cross Overnight Shelter: Fireman’s Pavilion at Rohner Park, located at 9 Park Street, Fortuna, CA
Shelter
Cots and blankets
Hygiene kits
Snacks and full meals for overnight guests
Water
Charging stations
Portable showers
HOUSING AND STATE PROGRAMS
The Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services has deployed a Mobile Outreach Team to support community members impacted by the earthquake. Staff members are located at the Rio Dell Fire Hall and are assisting residents with food, water and other necessities. Staff are also available to assist community members in applying for services, such as CalFresh, and provide housing resources. Current CalFresh recipients who have lost food due to the power outage or earthquake can also request replacement benefits by filling out a CF 303 form on the state’s website here, by logging on to their account at Benefitscal.com or by stopping by the Rio Dell Fire Hall, 50 Center St. in Rio Dell or one of DHHS’s offices.
MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE
An earthquake and its aftermath can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming. Talk with your family about how they are feeling. Children and older adults are of special concern in the aftermath of disasters. Behavioral Health staff, including a licensed psychologist, are on-site in Rio Dell and available to speak with community members in need of mental health support.
Additional DHHS resources available:
Adult Protective Services 24-hour hotline number 707-476-2100
Child Welfare Services 24-hour hotline number 707-445-6180
Behavioral Health Warm Line 707-268-2999
Behavioral Health 24-hour Crisis Line 707-445-7715
ASSISTANCE FOR AMERICAN INDIAN, ALASKAN NATIVE AND NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSEHOLDS
The Northern California Indian Development Council, Inc (NCIDC) is accepting applications from income-eligible American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian households affected by the earthquake. NCIDC can assist with the cost for hot water tank repairs, heating system repairs, and similar health and safety-related issues caused by earthquake damage. They are also offering food assistance due to failed refrigeration, and can customize case-management responses for other issues on an as-needed and eligible basis.
NCIDC’s online intake is at: intake.ncidc.org. You can also call them at 707-445-8451 (or toll free at 800-566-2381) and ask for emergency services to discuss the intake process and determine your eligibility for services with a case manager.
BUSINESS SUPPORT
The Humboldt County 2022 Earthquake Business Recovery Survey Local businesses impacted by the earthquake are asked to complete a Business Recovery Survey created by the County’s Economic Development Department GoHumCo. This survey will be used to track, monitor and quantify business losses in Humboldt County following the earthquake.Losses will be totaled and shared with federal and state agencies as we seek outside support for our community. The survey may be accessed here: humboldtgov.org/recoverySurvey
Vocality Community Credit Union is offering short term grants to businesses for immediate needs such as plywood to cover broken windows. For more information, contact: https://www.vocalityccu.org/contact-us
Humboldt Area Foundation & Wild Rivers Community Foundation are available to assist nonprofits, tribal agencies, and service agencies in identifying grant funding. Contact: grants@hafoundation.org, 707-442-2993.
Residents are advised to periodically run water to allow trapped air out. Residences with multiple stories are asked to run water from the highest location (ex. the highest shower head in your home).
In response to communication infrastructure failure within the Rio Dell community due to the earthquake, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and Verizon have provided the community with the following resources to restore connectivity while equipment is repaired:
A WiFi Hotspot and Charging station to the Red Cross Overnight Shelter.
A Satellite Trailer Emitting Equipment Remote (STEER) providing cellular and internet capability to the Rio Dell Community.
A Cell on Wheels (COW) providing cellular coverage to the impacted communities.
DONATIONS
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is not currently accepting material donations. To make a financial donations to assist with the response can be made directly to the following:
Rio Dell Fire Department- Venmo: @RioDellFire-Department, GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3036e4ec, or mailed to 50 W Center St. Rio Dell, CA 95562
Pay it Forward Humboldt: 707-616-9191, payitforwardhumboldt@gmail.com
American Red Cross: 1-800-435-7669, redcross.org
STAY INFORMED
The most important thing you can do while the community recovers is to keep informed.
For updated information regarding the Humboldt County earthquake response, please go to humboldtsheriff.org/emergency and visit @HumCoOES on Facebook and Twitter, or call 707-268-2500.
